The Trump administration recently fired five judged from federal immigration courts in Texas, raising concerns about worsening case backlogs and an increased reliance on fast-track deportations that bypass the courts. The judges were based in Houston, Laredo, and El Paso, and included three associate chief judges who managed courts and policies. Their removal is part of a broader shakeup, with 28 employees of the U.S. Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review being dismissed in recent weeks.
This comes as the Trump administration pushes its agenda to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, with executive orders and directives already disrupting the immigration system. However, critics argue that firing judges will only exacerbate the already significant backlog, which had grown to nearly 4 million cases by the end of the last fiscal year. Federal immigration judges typically handle hundreds of cases annually, and without sufficient support, the quality of decisions may decline, leading to more appeals.
Reports highlight that the immigration courts are in crisis, with many cases delayed for years, especially for vulnerable populations like children and asylum seekers.
Reference:
Serrano, Alejando. “Trump administration removes five immigration judges in Texas, union says” The Texas Tribune. February 27, 2025.
